If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying dinner that doesn’t take all night, this creamy bacon and pea pasta is exactly what you need. Ready in just 25 minutes, this family-friendly pasta dish combines tender peas, crispy turkey bacon, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce for a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Bacon and Pea Pasta
- Quick & easy: From stovetop to table in about 25 minutes
- Family-safe: Made with turkey bacon instead of pork
- Comforting & creamy: Parmesan and cream create a silky sauce
- Minimal ingredients: Simple pantry staples you likely already have
- Customizable: Easy to adjust for kids or picky eaters
This recipe is the kind of dinner you’ll find yourself saving and making again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini work well)
- 6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Bacon and Pea Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add frozen peas and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Fold in the crispy turkey bacon.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Extra creamy: Add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan
- Vegetarian option: Swap turkey bacon for sautéed mushrooms
- Kid-friendly: Skip red pepper flakes
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken
- Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this pasta with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
Print
Easy Creamy Bacon and Pea Pasta in 25 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy bacon and pea pasta made family-safe with turkey bacon (no pork). Tender peas, crispy bacon, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce come together fast for an easy 25-minute weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for serving)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Meanwhile, cook chopped turkey bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown).
4. Add frozen peas and cook 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
5. Pour in heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional). Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add drained pasta and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce is silky and clings to the pasta.
7. Stir in the crispy turkey bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning.
8. Serve hot topped with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
No pork option: this recipe uses turkey bacon. You can also use beef bacon or sautéed mushrooms.
Make it kid-friendly: skip the red pepper flakes.
Sauce too thick? Add a little more reserved pasta water (or a splash of milk).
Storage: refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk/cream.
Nutrition values are estimates and can vary by brand and exact portions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (~1.5 cups)
- Calories: 565
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~520 | 20g | 48g | 28g | 4g | 780mg |
Final Thoughts
This creamy bacon and pea pasta proves that weeknight dinners can be both easy and comforting. With simple ingredients, rich flavor, and a family-safe twist, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in regular rotation.